Theater Review - "Vanya And Sonia and Masha and Spike"

THEATER REVIEW - “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”

Produced by: The John W. Engeman Theater - Northport

Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

We all know who Anton Chekhov is, I suppose, but this reviewer is guessing relatively few of us (present company included) are what might be termed truly “Chekhov savvy.” That said, it’s probably a good idea to explain the odd title of the Christopher Durang play which opened at Northport’s lush Engeman Theater last week.

Exact opposites Stephen Mark Lucas and Kevin Pariseau play ‘Spike’ and ‘Vanya’ at the Engeman thru March 8 Photo by Michael DeCristofaro

“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” a comedy that premiered at the Golden Theater on Broadway in March of 2013 (and closed the following August), takes its title from the names of three characters in two different works by the great Russian playwright. The names Vanya and Sonia both derive from the play, “Uncle Vanya” … and Masha, from Chekhov’s classic, “Three Sisters.” It’s obvious that in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” the sibling trio’s deceased college professor parents were quite the high-brow couple while alive and dabbling in community theater … and presumably peering down on lesser mortals from their ivory tower. As for Spike … he probably thinks Chekhov’s a video game.

At the risk of dating myself, ever since “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” inexplicably landed a Tony for Best Play a few years ago, the show’s title has evoked memories of the 1969 Oscar-nominated film “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.” However the cutesy device of utilizing monikers in ra-ta-tat sequence marks the only similarity the two productions share.

For the benefit of those who might fear “Vanya…etc.” is a re-working of some Chekhov drama … relax. Playwright Durang is no Chekhov! Like the social-climbing husband and wife referred to in his play, Chris is merely a name-dropper … even to the extent of famously having said, “My play is not a Chekhov parody.” No kidding! I hasten to add that I don’t expect a Nobel Prize is in today’s mail, either.

Here’s the V&S&M&S plot: Vanya and Sonia are spoiled incompetents, their existence subsidized by movie star sister, Masha (she of the hunk boyfriend, Spike). Masha plans to sell the house, and Vanya and Sonia panic. Some long-winded scenes ensue. Masha changes her mind about selling. Oh, joy! End of play.

Along the way, Kevin Pariseau (Vanya) … Laurie Dawn, (Sonia) … Sean Young, (Masha) … and Stephen Mark Lukas, (Spike) … try to make Christopher Durang’s play entertaining, and Ms. Dawn almost pulls off the near-impossibility. But the script is just too dry and juvenile to permit its redemption.

To be sure, the play, under the direction of Richard T. Dolce, has its moments … a hilarious reverse striptease by Lucas’s beefcake specimen ‘Spike,’ and a touching Garrison Keillor-Archie Bunker style ‘good ole days’ reminiscence by Pariseau, are highlights along with Laurie Dawn’s slightly over-ripe, but generally satisfying, performance. And Dolce gets comedic mileage out of Isabelle Santiago (Cassandra, the frenetic Maid), and Megan Yelaney (Nina, the saccharin-sweet Neighbor). Their performances are much-needed, because ‘Masha,’ the play’s central character, might as well have been assigned to a potted palm.

Jon Collins, Kate Ashton, and Tristan Raines (Set, Lighting and Costume design respectively) combine to make this show visually superb. The blue-painted, distressed wood home is a place we could happily curl up in … while we admire the ever-changing skies over sleepy Bucks County, Pennsylvania … and wait for the voodoo-obsessed cleaning woman to show up in her rainbow-hued ensemble.

But there is only so much that Dolce, Dawn, Collins et .al. can do with this sow’s ear of a show. Tony Award? Seriously? Congress should investigate the American Theatre Wing. Even in a lean year like 2013 (remember ‘Kinky Boots,’ ‘Lucky Guy,’ ‘The Assembled Parties’ … ?) there’s no excuse for honoring a play that barely recouped its investment, then promptly and understandably closed a month later.

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Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries.

Smithtown's Brendan Martin Qualifies For NYS Olympic Trials And Is Recognized By County Exec. Bellone

“Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone presents local runners with proclamations.” (L-R Smithtown Running Company manager Mike Petrina, Leonora Petrina, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Brendan Martin, Smithtown Running Company owner Brendan Barrett)

(click on photo to enlarge)

Sayville, NY- January 26^th 2015- Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone recently honored local runners Brendan Martin of Smithtown, NY and Leonora Petrina of Bayport, NY,  for qualifying for the 2016 United States Olympic Trials.  Petrina and Martin are both employees of the Smithtown Running Company and were presented proclamations at a press conference announcing the registration details for the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon.

Martin completed the Cal International Marathon after having previously suffered from a femoral stress fracture that forced him to drop out of the Boston Marathon just ten days prior to the event. Determined to give it one more try, he spent about nine weeks preparing for the Cal International race post recovery. With the support of his friends and family, including his former cross country coach at Smithtown West, Coach Carolan, who biked alongside him during many runs, he was successful. Crossing the line with a time of 2:16:38, he hit the time standard to get invited to the trials.

“You can do everything right in training but there are never any guarantees that you’ll get the results you’re hoping for on race day. There are countless variables in a marathon, so I was completely thrilled when it all came together for me,” said Martin, who also volunteers with the track team at Smithtown West High School.

Debuting in her first ever marathon, Petrina’s hard work paid off when she was the first woman to cross the finish line at the Philadelphia Marathon back in November.   “It was pretty exciting. Everything went so well and to get the win when I wasn’t expecting it just topped off an awesome day,” said Petrina. Breaking the tape at a time of 2:39:58, Petrina had not only won, but was headed to the trials as well.

Both Petrina and Martin are considering participating in the September 13^th inaugural Suffolk County Marathon & Half Marathon. Registration and more information is available at SuffolkMarathon.com.

Commack's Scott Massa - Intel Science Talent Search Finalist

Photos by Richard Kurtz - click on photos to enlarge

Scott Massa, a senior at Commack High School, was named an Intel Science Talent Search finalist today, one of only 40 students nationwide recognized for his contribution to improving and enriching everyday life. Scott’s project explored how disturbances in the brain can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. He identified a possible target for the development of new medications that may be a potential cure. The title of his project is, “The Importance of Endocytosis to Neuregulin1 Back Signaling: Implications in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Disorders.”

Scott received a phone call last night (Wednesday, January 21) with the news. “I was ecstatic when I received the call from the director of the competition yesterday evening.  To be a finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search is an incredible honor, and I’m living the dream of every high school researcher from around the country.  I’m so proud that I can represent Commack in this national forum.”

“Scott’s research is pivotal in our search for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia,” said Alison Offerman-Celentano, Director of Science. This young man is a stellar example of a Renaissance student, one who is able to accomplish so much with grace and humility. We know Scott will continue to move the field of neuroscience forward as he progresses through his collegial studies and his future career. His accomplishments would not have been possible without the invaluable and tireless efforts of our Science Research team, led by Mr. Richard Kurtz. To be recognized as an Intel finalist is one of the greatest accomplishments a young science researcher can attain and Scott Massa is truly deserving of the honor.”

Scott’s future plans include a career in medicine or clinical research. He will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, to study biology with a concentration in neurobiology. His mentor, Commack High School science teacher Richard Kurtz, said, “I met Scott when he was in eighth grade; he had the spark of curiosity and a natural drive that was obvious. He is a student with the combination of intelligence, compassion, and modesty.  I can confidently speak for most of his teachers and say that we all feel privileged to have had this unique young man in our classes.”

“We have a top-notch science research department here in Commack that assists our students in reaching their fullest potential,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Donald James. “Students like Scott will shape the future of the treatment and eradication of illness and diseases that are incurable at this point. We congratulate Scott on this prestigious recognition, and for his passion, drive, and intellect to find a cause and a cure for disorders that affect the lives of so many people.”

Finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 5-11, where they will compete for more than $1 million in awards. Each finalist receives at least $7,500. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie, invitation-only gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 10.

Rewriting the Smithtown East Record Book

Boys Winter Track Team Sets Seven New Marks This Season

Story and Photos By Jay Beatty

(click on photos to enlarge)

(Additional Photos Courtesy of MileSplit NY)

Sophomore Daniel Claxton leaps en route to a new Smithtown East indoor High Jump record o 6’-6” at Suffolk County Community College.It’s cold outside, but the Smithtown East Boys Track team is red hot!  And just in time for the championship meets for the League, County, and State Qualifer.

Led by a talented group of seniors, the East runners, throwers, and jumpers, the squad has combined to shatter seven school records – some marks more than once this season..

“Saying goodbye to our seniors will mean a huge hit next year, but we’re focused on this year,” said East Coach Kathie Borbet.

“The last time we had a season even close to this was 2006-200077 when we won the counties…and this team has been taking out records from 1997-1998 when my sons were on the team and the 2006-7 teams; and those two teams were combined [Smithtown East and West.]”

“This is probably the best team Smithtown East has ever seen.  For Smithtown East alone to break seven records held by combined teams is pretty amazing.”

Seven Records

At a Suffolk Crossover meet, the East squad (l-r) of Shane Harris, Eric Herrmann, Matt Whalen, and Will Claxton set a new school Winter Track record in the 4 x 400 meter RelayThe record-setting events include the High Jump, the Shot Put, the 300 Meter Dash, the 600 Meter Run, the 800 Meter Run, the 4 x 400 M Relay, and the 4 x 800 Meter Relay.

Senior sprinter Shane Harris broke the 300m record in 36.20 st Suffolk Community College, and proceeded to lower the mark to 35.69 at the Armory.

Senior Matthew Whalen broke both the 800m record and 600m in times of 1:57.8 and 1:24.78.  He also lowered the 600m mark.  

Junior Dominik Oramas broke the shot put record and currently has the best throw on Long Island at 53’7”.25. 

Sophomore Daniel Claxton broke the high jump record in 6’6” and currently has the best jump in the state, with his winning leap at the Stanner Games of 6’-7”. 

The 4 x 400 Meter Relay team of seniors Will Claxton, Matthew Whalen, Eric Herrmann and Shane Harris ran 3:29.83 at the Armory, just missing qualifying  for the Millrose Games with this time.  They had previously broken the mark with a 3:32 at SCCC.

At the North Shore Invitational at the New Balance Armory on December 26, the 4 x 800 Meter Relay squad of (l-r) Eric Herrmann, Patrick Teese, Marius Sidlauskas, and Matthew Whalen set a new school record of 8:14.41 en route to a Gold Medal win.The 4 x 800 Meter Relay squad of seniors Eric Herrmann, Matthew Whalen, Patrick Teese and junior Marius Sidlauskas set a new time at 8:14.41 in winning the Gold Medal at the North Shore Invitational at the Armory.

Standout Athletes

“Whalen  can cover everything from the 400m to the 3200m, “ said Borbet.  He has records in the 600m, 800m,  4x400m and 4x800m relays.

“Matt is totally versatile with speed that comes from I don’t know where.  Whatever he’s eating , everyone else should start eating!”

“Harris has done an amzaing  job with his 35.69 in the 300 meter dash.”

“The boys mix and match really well.  Tthe 800m kids can mix in the 400,m. the 400 m in with the 200,  We’re probably one of the few teams in the counties that might be able to scoie in all three relays.  Pretty good matchups to be excited about!”

“All the seniors are going to be irreplaceable; they’re the heart of this team.  As coach, you’re only as good as th4e athletes you have and these kids are amazing.”

Scholars, Too

The talent on the East team extends beyond the track.

“Academically,  the boys are  incredibale , said Borbet.  “These are kids with GPAS over 4.0 They’re  all National Honor Society, and other honor societies.  They have  intelligence arcross the board and the colleges they looking at tremendous…Ivies and more.”

Borbet noted with anticipation for the championships that some of the marks are not just SHSE records but among the best marks in the county and state.  League Championships are this coming Sunday at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood.

Spring Season

Coach Borbet is looking forward to more, especially the spring season to come!

“Winter track is tougher to run, even if we do have the banked track at the Armory; the new track surface at Suffolk Community College is really good and we’re seeing faster times this season from last year.”

“It’s also harder to train outside in the cold weather,” Borbet noted.  “In the spring, as the season progresses, it’s easier to run outside.  The teams are also running on a 400 meter track as opposed to 200 meters, which makes a big difference.”

“I expect many of the boys will run even better in the spring, meaning we can expect even better times,” she concluded.

Department Of Parks Employees Locate And Extricate The 1965 Time Capsule

Three Smithtown Parks employees, Brendan Boylan, Tim Dollard and Ed Spinella worked diligently to locate and to extricate the buried 1965 time capsule.  There was some confusion as to where the time capsule had been buried as there didn’t seem to be any written documentation. People who attended the time capsule burial 50 years ago in 1965 were not quite sure where it was buried some thought it was to the left of the entrance others to the right. Last week Parks searched the property with a metal detector to no avail. On Wednesday, the three Parks employees,* after locating the site to the left of the entrance (looking from the street) were Supervisor Patrick Vecchio with 1965 Time Capsule interrupted when they received information from the Smithtown Engineering Department. Engineering located a map with the exact location of the burial site. The map even pinpointed the location of the milk can (time capsule). What was not anticipated was a concrete slab almost 6ft long, 4ft wide and 3ft deep. It took a lot of strength, determination and in the end finesse, to wiggle the 3ft dairy can out of the cement.  The can is remarkably well preserved with no indication that what is inside has been disturbed. Brendon, Tim and Ed carried the heavy time capsule up to the Supervisor’s office where it will be secured until the big reveal on March 3, 2015.  The capsule will be opened at the scheduled Town Board meeting that is open to the public.  Until then keep guessing about what is in the time capsule!

*Article was amended to reflect the time capsule was located by the men prior to receiving the map. 

Click on photo to enlarge